Portis ruled out

After practice, Jim Zorn officially ruled out running back Clinton Portis for Sunday’s game against Denver.

Portis (concussion) spent Wednesday resting at home per doctor’s orders.

SEE RELATED:

The Redskins have a big problem, though: Ladell Betts was limited today because of a low ankle sprain. That would leave Rock Cartwright as the only full-health tailback. Zorn expects Betts to play.

Other stuff:

*Although Zorn wouldn’t commit to Chad Rinehart as the new right guard, Rinehart said he’s working exclusively with the starters and will start. Will Montgomery said the thing thing earlier today.

*Hunter Smith could be headed to the injured reserve if things don’t go well tomorrow. Roster spots are precious on injury-riddled team and Smith said himself IR is possible.

Said Zorn: “It’s a possibility if he continues to re-aggravate this thing and that’s why I’m trying to give it as much as I can. Tomorrow is an important day.”

If Smith can’t go, Sam Paulescu will handle the chores for a second straight week.

*Heyer did the walk-through but watched the practice because of a knee problem. That left D’Anthony Batiste to work at starting right tackle. He’s never started an NFL game at tackle.

*Zorn on the state of the team staring at a long second half.

“They haven’t lost heart,” he said. “We can tell that by how hard we’re working in practice. They could be just going through the motions. They’ve done well. We’re not out of it yet. We’ve dug a deep hole. If there’s a glimmer of hope, we’re going to continue to work and that’s what we have before us at the present time.”